Hyperpigmenation is a common skin condition that involves patches of skin becoming darker in color than the surrounding skin. This skin darkening happens when there is an excess of melanin. Melanin is the brown pigment which produces skin color. People of all skin color can be affected by hyperpigmentation.
Age spots are a very common form of hyperpigmentation. These generally occur due to excess sun exposure and are also referred to as solar lentigines. Liver spots (age spots) are dark patches of skin which are usually found on the face or hands. Freckles and other areas of darkened skin usually become even darker when exposed to sunlight. This occurs because melanin in the skin absorbs the sun’s ultraviolet rays in an attempt to protect the skin.
Treatment and Prevention
Protecting the skin from excessive sun exposure is key in prevention of hyperpigmentation. It is crucial to always wear sunscreen even if it's cloudy since harmful ultraviolet rays can still pass through the cloud cover. In addition, there are topical creams that actually bleach the skin. These creams contain hydroquinone and work by fading skin discolorations back to their original color. Keep in mind that hydroquinone can be irritating to sensitive skin, and it may take up to three to six months to see improvement.
More recently, laser treatment has been implemented to help lighten or eliminate hyperpigmentation. Ruby or Q-switch lasers are highly effective in reducing the appearance of hyperpigmented skin. Fraxel lasering also works well and has little to no downtime since it's performed in a series of evenly-spaced treatments over time.
The first step to correcting any skin problem is consultation with trained medical professional. The highly qualified staff at NAAVA Salon & Spa is waiting to help you achieve you aesthetic goals. Together with you, we will create a skincare treatment plan that will enhance your natural beauty. Call our Austin Day Spa at 512-813-1000 to schedule an appointment.
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